PGCPS Transportation Director Earns National Recognition for Innovation & Leadership

PGCPS Director of Transportation Keba Baldwin was named 2025 National Transportation Director of the Year by School Transportation News, recognizing his leadership in strengthening the district's transportation system through improved communication, innovation and collaboration.

Serving more than 85,000 students daily, the PGCPS transportation system operates more than 1,200 school buses, a scale that places it among the largest fleets in the nation. Since joining PGCPS, Baldwin has guided the division through a comprehensive modernization effort focused on safety, reliability and service to families.

Director Baldwin is a strategic thinker, and it has benefited our school district and transportation department greatly,” said Dr. Charoscar Coleman, PGCPS Chief Operating Officer, adding that Baldwin has also sought creative solutions to the bus driver shortage, such as creating a non-CDL driver position and effectively using data to consolidate bus routes to make them more efficient.

Under Baldwin's direction, the district launched systemwide improvements to enhance safe, efficient and on-time transportation. These include:

*Standardizing school start and end times to simplify routing and improve on-time performance.

*Adjusting bus assignments and stop locations to reduce ride times and address efficiency amid a national driver shortage.

*Introducing an opt-out option for families who do not require transportation, ensuring buses serve those who need them most.

*Introducing the new Chipmunk app (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation/chipmunk) for real-time tracking and communication between families and transportation staff.

“These changes are about progress, not perfection,” Baldwin said. “We’re working every day toward long-term solutions to longstanding challenges.”

A major factor in Baldwin’s recognition was his commitment to better communication with families and schools. The transportation team now provides more frequent updates, expanded customer service support and clearer channels for resolving issues. Each bus lot has a dedicated communications lead, helping ensure that families get timely, accurate information.

This focus on transparency has helped rebuild trust and strengthen collaboration across the school community.

Additionally, in alignment with the district’s Climate Change Action Plan, PGCPS has introduced 21 new electric buses — a step toward reducing emissions, improving air quality and modeling environmental responsibility for students.

Read the full article (http://stnonline.com/go/nov25) on the honor in School Transportation News.

PGCPS congratulates Director Keba Baldwin on this well-deserved national honor and thanks our entire transportation team for their dedication to safe, reliable service for our students and families.

	PGCPS implemented stop-arm cameras in 2021, and has seen more than a 30 percent reduction in illegal passing violations.